Currently approving and printing licenses that were submitted for review by police departments between March 15 and March 28.
A firearms license is required to possess or carry firearms in Massachusetts.
- This page, Apply for a firearms license, is offered by
- Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
- Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
Apply for a firearms license
Contacts
Firearms Records Bureau
The Details of Apply for a firearms license
What you need for Apply for a firearms license
To apply for a Resident Firearms License:
- You must apply for a resident firearms license to carry or firearms identification card through the police department in the town where you reside.
- You will need to submit:
- A complete resident firearms license application
- The required application fee
- A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate
- A form of identification
- You may need to submit:
- Proof of residence
- Contact your local firearms licensing officer for specific information on the application process.
To apply for a Non-Resident License to Carry Firearms or a Resident Alien Permit:
- You must apply for a non-resident license to carry firearms or a resident alien permit through the Firearms Records Bureau.
- You will need:
- A complete non-resident firearms license or resident alien permit application.
- The required application fee
- A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate
- You may need:
- An in-person appearance
- A visa or copy of immigration card
Fees for Apply for a firearms license
| Name | Fee | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| License to Carry Firearms | $100 | each |
| License to Carry Firearms - retired law enforcement officers | $25 | each |
| Firearms Identification Card | $100 | each |
| Firearms Identification Card - applicants under 18 years old | $25 | each |
| Non-Resident Firearms License | $100 | each |
| Resident Alien Permit | $100 | each |
How to apply Apply for a firearms license
For Resident Firearms License applications:
Your completed application package, including the fee, may be mailed to your local licensing authority. Contact your local firearms licensing officer for additional information prior to submitting your renewal.
For Non-Resident Firearms License and Resident Alien Permit applications:
Your complete application package, including the fee, must be mailed to the Firearms Records Bureau at:
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
Firearms Records Bureau
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
For Resident Firearms License applications:
Your complete application package, including fee, must be submitted to your local licensing authority. Contact your local firearms licensing officer for additional information prior to submitting your application.
Next steps for Apply for a firearms license
-
Resident Firearms License Application Processing
Your application will be processed by your local licensing authority.
Firearms license application processing includes a state and federal background check, a fingerprint based background check, and a check with the Department of Mental Health.
You will be notified by your local licensing authority when your firearms license application has been processed, either by telephone or by mail. You may need to pick up your firearms license in person.
License processing may take up to 60 days.
To learn how to check the status of your firearms license application, click here.
Open PDF file, 447.14 KB, Resident Firearms License Application (English, PDF 447.14 KB)Non-Resident Firearms License and Alien Permit Application Processing
Your application will be processed by the Firearms Records Bureau.
Firearms license application processing includes a state and federal background check, a fingerprint based background check, and a check with the Department of Mental Health.
You will be notified by the Firearms Records Bureau when your firearms license application has been processed by mail.
License processing may take up to 90 days.
To check the status of your non-resident firearms license or alien permit application, contact the Firearms Records Bureau directly at (617) 660-4782.
Open PDF file, 377.55 KB, Non-Resident Application (English, PDF 377.55 KB)Open PDF file, 219.46 KB, Resident Alien Application (English, PDF 219.46 KB)Contact for Apply for a firearms license
Address
200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150Fax
Fax (617) 884-4601Related